New Headline: Gladstone’s Gritty Grapple Sends Jags Into Total Disarray

Among the biggest needs for the Jacksonville Jaguars to address this offseason is along the defensive line. Both depth at both the defensive end and tackle positions are needed, as is more pass rush consistency, particularly from the interior defensive line. While the Jaguars boasted the NFL's stingiest run defense last season, the Jaguars ranked 18th in pressure rate and 27th in sacks.

Through the first wave of NFL free agency, the Jaguars have yet to add to their defensive front. GM James Gladstone recently discussed a major reason behind the Jaguars' quiet start to free agency . He also highlighted the Jaguars' efforts to bolster their pass rush this offseason.

"I think that's going to be an ongoing process where we're continuing to map out how we can level up," Gladstone said on Thursday, "and that's a pairing of personnel and scheme, and also the back end being tied to the pass rush plans. And continuing to ensure that we're able to stop the run at such a high tick like we were last year, without diluting that element, but still improving the pass rush. So that's a fun piece this offseason to try to really map out.

" To Gladstone's point, there are contributing factors that can help faciliate a more productive pass rush. The Jaguars continuing to have a strong run game will be important because stopping the run then puts the opposing offense in obvious passing situations, where the pass rush can pin its ears back. In an effort to get more pass rush productivity, the Jaguars don't want to sacrifice their play against the run.